Out of the gates the Rangers looked like thoroughbreds, scoring some 37 seconds into the opening stanza. About 10 minutes later, they looked slow and lumbering like clydesdales. Although I shouldn’t speak ill of clydesdales, them being the virtual symbol of Budweiser and all. So, we got to watch 10 minutes of good hockey – 30 minutes of slow and disjointed hockey – and finally, a great 20 minutes , where goals were plentiful and all was right in the world. Drury came up with the game winner, as he is so inclined to do. Malik and Rozsival continue to be one of the most underrated defensive pairs in the entire league. I know booing Malik is the “in thing” to do at MSG, and Malik’s 3 third period assists should quiet the garden crowd for at least one game. His plus-minus is always incredible: 2006-2007 he was +32 (9th overall in the NHL), and 2005-2006 he was +28 (15th overall). Rozsival’s plus/minus fell from a league-leading 35 in 2006 to plus ten last season. That is largely due to the terrible first half of last year. From December on, both were golden. Oh yeah, that 3rd line contributed nicely, with Prucha and Callahan both netting a goal.
Local papers and their takes on last night’s game (almost all of them praising the coming of Drury!): NY Times, NY Daily News, NY Post, Newsday, The Journal News, and The Hartford Courant. Enjoy!
Tim
